Saints look to fill void with the addition of Dez Bryant

This Story is About...

Share This Story On...

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) cheers before an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News)

After spending his first eight years in Dallas and watching this season's first nine weeks, Bryant took part in his first practice as a member of the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

"A new chapter," Bryant, who signed a one-year deal with the Saints, told reporters on Thursday.

The 7-1 Saints are hopeful Bryant's new chapter includes more playmaking at receiver.

"We welcome all dogs, all beasts to the Saints," running back Mark Ingram said, per The New Orleans Advocate. "It's good to have a guy like that. Passionate who has had a lot of success in the league to add him to our group. We are excited about it. He's another playmaker."

So when will former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant take the field for the Saints? Here's what Sean Payton said

Drew Brees and the Saints have the second ranked offense in the league but wide receiver has become a bit of a concern. The team placed Ted Ginn Jr. on injured reserve in October and Cam Meredith joined him there on Thursday. Pro Bowl wideout Michael Thomas is the only Saints receiver with more than 12 catches this season. Bryant caught 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns in his final year in Dallas.

Thomas joked that his Week 9 cell phone touchdown celebration against the Los Angeles Rams was a call to the Heavens.

"It's a blessing," Thomas said. "I guess when I picked up that cell phone and made that call it was God answering my prayers."

Bryant's production has taken a dip in recent years as he's battled foot and knee injuries. Yet at this point in his career he should be a good complement to Thomas, the clear cut No. 1 wideout.